Son of Federal Judge Killed in Palisades Hit-and-Run

Los Angeles police are investigating a hit-and-run in Pacific Palisades that killed a young film director whose father and grandfather are federal court judges.

David Pregerson, 23, was hit by an unknown driver Dec. 27 about 3 a.m. on Chautauqua Boulevard north of Borgos Place. The driver never stopped to render aid and the UCLA graduate was found by a passerby on the tree-lined residential street. Pregerson succumbed to his numerous injuries at UCLA Medical Center on Dec. 31.

Since graduating from UCLA, Pregerson had begun working on movies and television shows, including the Web-based soap opera series “The Bay.” He was the son of U.S. District Court Judge Dean Pregerson and grandson of U.S. 9th Circuit Court of Appeals Judge Harry Pregerson.

LAPD West Traffic detectives have few clues and are looking for witnesses to the deadly incident. Detectives said David Pregerson was “in the roadway” at the time of the hit-and-run. They say it is unclear if he was crossing the street or had stopped for a second when he was struck. A passerby found Pregerson, who was moved out of the street to curbside ivy before paramedics arrived.

Detectives said the driver of the car continued southbound on Chautauqua Boulevard and failed to stop and render aid or identify himself or herself. While the area is residential, it is possible to drive a car at considerable speed down the straight stretch of road, detectives said.

Detectives are asking anyone who may have information regarding this incident to contact them at (213) 473-0234. During non-business hours or on weekends, calls should be directed to 1-877-LAPD-24-7 (877-527-3247).